Jacques-Gabriel Bridge
The Jacques-Gabriel Bridge spans the Loire river in Blois, France, since the beginning of the 18th century. With a total length of 283m, it is made up of 11 arches, and is the last arch bridge on the river that is pointed. Since its construction, the bridge retains the name of the architect who designed it, Jacques Gabriel. The bridge was partially destroyed three times: in 1870, 1940 and 1944. It is now crossed by.
The bridge was listed as a historical monument by order of 22 April 1937.
Location
The bridge spans the Loire river in the middle of Blois, between the downtown and Vienne on the left bank.History
Construction of a new Bloisian bridge
Since the 11th century, a stone bridge was used to link both banks. In the night between 6 and 7 February 1716, this medieval bridge collapsed.The construction of a new bridge is decided by August 1716. The project management is given by Duke Philippe of Orléans to Jacques Gabriel, yet King Louis XVI's official architect. As early as the end of that year, a regiment from Piedmont was called to build the bridge. The infrastructure was inaugurated on 4 May 1724, with a 14.6m-high obelisk standing in its middle.